Devyani Rana vows to carry forward father’s legacy in Nagrota

Jammu, Nov 11: The day the electorate sealed her fate in the EVMs, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Devyani Rana Tuesday reiterated what she called her “solemn pledge to carry forward the rich legacy and accomplish unfinished tasks and development works” of her father as Nagrota MLA, in case of her election.

Devyani was responding to media queries during her visit to the polling stations set up in PM Shri Government Boys High School, Kandoli-Nagrota, while the polling was underway, on Tuesday.

In a sharp retort to political adversaries’ barb aimed at her party for promoting ‘a dynast’ by giving a mandate to her while accusing other political parties of resorting to ‘dynastic politics’, Devyani stated that she was not launched by her father but was supported by the Nagrota people, who, like her extended family, encouraged her to enter the poll fray.

“Had Rana Sahib been alive today, had he introduced me to the people (electorate), that would have been a different matter. But today I’m standing in front of you because of love, blessings and the unflinching support of Nagrota people and nothing else,” she asserted.

The voters in Nagrota and Budgam assembly segments exercised their franchise in the by-polls on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

If elected, will she be able to meet the load of expectations of the electorate? Confronted with this query, she stated, “For the past eleven months, we have been toiling hard to fulfil the aspirations of Nagrota people. Once elected, I hope that this pace of work will get further momentum.”

Devyani asserted that right from day one, her dream was only to accomplish the unfinished tasks of her illustrious father. “Being his daughter, this is my duty, as it happens in a family, which takes upon itself to realise dreams envisioned and finish tasks left incomplete by any member (of the family) after his or her passing.

How big was this electoral challenge for her?

Devyani’s response to this query was, “Elections are fought to win, and that gives a unique thrill. We all are in the electoral fray to contest. As I’ve earlier stated, I wish everybody all the best. We all have spelt out our respective agendas before the public. Now the people will give their mandate to the candidate of their choice.”

When asked about her anticipation about her electoral (victory) prospects, the BJP candidate said, “For the past eleven months, I’ve been blessed by the people of Nagrota. I’ve been overwhelmed by the abundant love and blessings they have showered on me. Hope even today I’ll get the same amount of love from them in the form of their votes.”

Will the NC candidate get an edge being the ruling party candidate? Her response to this question was, “See, sometimes this government says, ‘We are not being allowed to work,’ and at some places, it claims that the works are being done at a very swift pace. First, they should resolve this confusion, and then we can talk about its performance or edge (to its candidate).”

When asked if she was confident of her win, Devyani said, “I’ve just come after paying obeisance at Kol Kandoli Mata temple. I’ve left everything to the almighty, and I hope with the blessings of (Devender) Rana Sahib, I will get overwhelming support from people."

She turned a bit emotional while responding to a query about her father as she said, “The void created by Rana Sahib’s demise will never be filled. He is missed every moment. He worked for every family of Nagrota with commitment during the past 20-25 years. We shall always be grateful to the Nagrota people for reciprocating his empathy and compassion with their boundless love, respect and blessings.”

She continued, saying, “Every day, I wish he (Rana Sahib) would have been there. His loss can never be compensated. I just hope I’ll be able to carry forward his legacy of compassion for his people and make him proud.”

Responding to questions about the accusations of rival JKNPP(I) candidate and former minister Harsh Dev Singh and Aam Aadmi Party candidate Joginder Singh against her party, she said, “Ten candidates are in the fray. We cannot stop anyone from levelling accusations. But we are upholding the truth. Every candidate has a right to present his or her side in front of the people. The electorate, as aptly they are called as ‘Janata Janardan’, will reply with their verdict.”

In a brief interaction with the media during his visit to the same polling station, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Joginder Singh hoped that the electorate of Nagrota would vote for “change”.

“If Nagrota, which is adjacent to Jammu, is deprived of even the basic amenities even after the lapse of over 75 years of independence. It means it needs change now. Its representatives have failed to live up to the expectations of the people, who want roads, power, water, employment and other essentials. I believe they will vote for change this time,” Singh said.

He accused the BJP and the National Conference of playing a “fixed match” during the by-election. “NC has fielded its candidate just to cut votes of other candidates and benefit the BJP candidate,” he alleged.